A way to say thank you out loud

Published: Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 7:10 p.m.

From Mills River’s “Cradle of Education” (late 1790s) to the present day, this county has always been very concerned about quality education for its children. We should aggressively seek ways to preserve and record that heritage.

The Henderson County Education Foundation for the past 11 years has honored those “individuals who have demonstrated measurable influence or made significant contributions to the growth and development of education in Henderson County.”

Here are just a few of those honorees.

Dr. Keg Wheeler: From 1965-1986, Wheeler was the director of physical education for Henderson County schools. He retired in 1986. He served as director of the Outdoor Education program from 1986-1996. “Wheeler did more to influence the basic elementary physical education program in the state than any other person. His programs are known all over the state and nation.” (Deceased)

Hugh D. Randall: Superintendent of the former city schools from 1954-1978, Randall was what every strong intellect wants to be, a guardian of integrity. In him “we found the personal commitment of a man of skill, the intellectual commitment and emotional equipment working together as one.” He was instrumental in getting kindergarten started statewide, helped establish BRCC and set up one of the first schools for migrants. He pioneered the expansion of school personnel to include a physical education teacher, secretary, librarian and assistant principal in each school. A model life of service to community and schools. (Deceased)

Dr, Amy Fisher Pace: A brilliant teacher, Dr. Pace left the classroom in order to administer to other teachers, principals and superintendents. Known as “a force behind the scenes,” she championed comprehensive education, including the strengthening of the arts programs in the schools. Her ability to generate ideas, her own and those of others, and to organize and articulate these ideas to others has enabled the school system to realize a vision and gain a position of honor and respect.

Dr. William D. Killian: Founding president of Blue Ridge Community College (1969-1987). “His integrity, coupled with his genuine good will and his clear vision of what BRCC should become, provided the strongest foundation on which to build a successful institution.”

Glenn Marlowe: Highly respected and loved, he served as classroom teacher, principal and superintendent (1950-1990). Marlowe was known for his motivational skills and his ability to manage school funds to maximum capacity. A state accreditation report ranked Henderson County schools second among 134 school systems on standards of performance and opportunity (1989-1990). (Deceased)

E.L. Justus: Teacher, principal, coach — he served the youth of this county for 45 years. He served as principal of the former Flat Rock High School and the first principal of East Henderson High School. “The wealth of his contributions will never be estimated in dollars and cents; it will never be tax deductible; it will never depend on testimonials to give it life. It will be known, though only in part, by the students and co-workers who shared some of his 45 years in education.” (Deceased)

Chicora C. Westmoreland: Widely known as the toughest teacher in school, her brisk academic standards prepared her students for college English and literature proficiency. She was the ultimate grammar sentinel. She was “stern, straight to the point. She could identify an error in grammar or usage with lightning speed and accuracy.” (Deceased)

Odell M. Rouse: She taught first grade in local all-black schools for 39 years, starting in 1926 in the Sixth Avenue School and ending when its replacement, Ninth Avenue Union School, closed in 1965. She then taught special education at Bruce Drysdale until 1970, rounding out a 44-year teaching career. Rouse once called Ninth Avenue School “like a family.” She taught three generations of some families. (Deceased)

Grace Ledbetter: July 1, 1948-June 1, 1992; A lifetime of service to public education, she worked in payroll, textbooks, accounting. In 1975 she assumed the position of finance officer. Her 43 years of continuous service allowed her to work as personal secretary for four superintendents. (Deceased)

The deadline for nominations for the 2014 HCEF Hall of Fame is Sept. 30.

<p>From Mills River’s Cradle of Education (late 1790s) to the present day, this county has always been very concerned about quality education for its children. We should aggressively seek ways to preserve and record that heritage.</p><p>The Henderson County Education Foundation for the past 11 years has honored those individuals who have demonstrated measurable influence or made significant contributions to the growth and development of education in Henderson County.</p><p>Here are just a few of those honorees.</p><p>Dr. Keg Wheeler: From 1965-1986, Wheeler was the director of physical education for Henderson County schools. He retired in 1986. He served as director of the Outdoor Education program from 1986-1996. Wheeler did more to influence the basic elementary physical education program in the state than any other person. His programs are known all over the state and nation. (Deceased)</p><p>Hugh D. Randall: Superintendent of the former city schools from 1954-1978, Randall was what every strong intellect wants to be, a guardian of integrity. In him we found the personal commitment of a man of skill, the intellectual commitment and emotional equipment working together as one. He was instrumental in getting kindergarten started statewide, helped establish BRCC and set up one of the first schools for migrants. He pioneered the expansion of school personnel to include a physical education teacher, secretary, librarian and assistant principal in each school. A model life of service to community and schools. (Deceased)</p><p>Dr, Amy Fisher Pace: A brilliant teacher, Dr. Pace left the classroom in order to administer to other teachers, principals and superintendents. Known as a force behind the scenes, she championed comprehensive education, including the strengthening of the arts programs in the schools. Her ability to generate ideas, her own and those of others, and to organize and articulate these ideas to others has enabled the school system to realize a vision and gain a position of honor and respect.</p><p>Dr. William D. Killian: Founding president of Blue Ridge Community College (1969-1987). His integrity, coupled with his genuine good will and his clear vision of what BRCC should become, provided the strongest foundation on which to build a successful institution.</p><p>Glenn Marlowe: Highly respected and loved, he served as classroom teacher, principal and superintendent (1950-1990). Marlowe was known for his motivational skills and his ability to manage school funds to maximum capacity. A state accreditation report ranked Henderson County schools second among 134 school systems on standards of performance and opportunity (1989-1990). (Deceased)</p><p>E.L. Justus: Teacher, principal, coach  he served the youth of this county for 45 years. He served as principal of the former Flat Rock High School and the first principal of East Henderson High School. The wealth of his contributions will never be estimated in dollars and cents; it will never be tax deductible; it will never depend on testimonials to give it life. It will be known, though only in part, by the students and co-workers who shared some of his 45 years in education. (Deceased)</p><p>Chicora C. Westmoreland: Widely known as the toughest teacher in school, her brisk academic standards prepared her students for college English and literature proficiency. She was the ultimate grammar sentinel. She was stern, straight to the point. She could identify an error in grammar or usage with lightning speed and accuracy. (Deceased)</p><p>Odell M. Rouse: She taught first grade in local all-black schools for 39 years, starting in 1926 in the Sixth Avenue School and ending when its replacement, Ninth Avenue Union School, closed in 1965. She then taught special education at Bruce Drysdale until 1970, rounding out a 44-year teaching career. Rouse once called Ninth Avenue School like a family. She taught three generations of some families. (Deceased)</p><p>Grace Ledbetter: July 1, 1948-June 1, 1992; A lifetime of service to public education, she worked in payroll, textbooks, accounting. In 1975 she assumed the position of finance officer. Her 43 years of continuous service allowed her to work as personal secretary for four superintendents. (Deceased)</p><p>The deadline for nominations for the 2014 HCEF Hall of Fame is Sept. 30.</p><p>HCEF office phone: 828-696-6688; email: hcef@bellsouth.net; website: www.hcef.info.</p><p>Take a moment and say thank you out loud.</p>